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Thursday, December 16, 2004
Gov't declares truce with communist rebels
MANILA -- President Arroyo announced Wednesday night a three-week unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels during the Christmas season.
Arroyo said during the 2004 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas the ceasefire would run from December 16 to January 5.
The government and the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), traditionally separately declare a suspension of hostilities during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
"(We) must restore faith, promote peace. We must have peace to strengthen the faith of the people with the national future and it is important for the government to be the one who is magnanimous, to stretch out the hands of peace. Therefore, I'd like to take this opportunity today, tonight to announce a unilateral ceasefire," the President said.
There was no immediate response from the rebels.
Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the temporary ceasefire will be observed nationwide and would cover both the military and the police.
She said the decision was based on a recommendation from the military.
The government and the communist-led National Democratic Front, the political arm of the CPP, have been holding on-and-off talks to end 35 years of insurgency since 1992, but the two sides have not agreed to a long-term truce, resulting in sporadic firefights between guerrillas and soldiers around the country.
Deles said they are hoping that communist rebels would reciprocate government's gesture.
"We hope so, especially in light of the ongoing clearing and relief operations," she said.
She added that no date has been set yet for the resumption of peace negotiations but Silvestre Bello III, chief government negotiator, said they are hoping there would be a positive development by early next year. (JMR/With AP)
(December 16, 2004 issue)
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